Search
Type
Topics
-
-
Interested in Becoming a Tour Guide?
The role of a volunteer tour guide can be an enjoyable way of learning about Ontario Shores and teaching others about the organization. It allows you to demonstrate volunteerism in your community, to experience new situations and to enhance your knowledge of mental health. How to Become a Tour Guide... -
Volunteer Q and A
How do I start this process? The application is online. Just fill it out and submit it. We will email you back the information needed for next steps as well as a letter for a police check reduced rate. Where do I go to get a police check? Durham Region Police headquarters is located at 605 Rossland... -
Vendor Days
Volunteer Services brings a wide variety of merchants to Ontario Shores throughout the year offering clothing, jewellery, gifts and accessories at great prices. Regular Vendor Days Vendor days are announced through internal newsletters as well as flyers posted throughout the hospital and are only at... -
Volunteer of the Year
In 2010, Volunteer Services introduced two new awards to recognize volunteers for their outstanding involvement: the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Student Volunteer of the Year Award. In 2012, a third special award was introduced, the Staff GEM of the Year Award, which recognizes staff for... -
What is involved in being a volunteer?
Your job as a volunteer is to be yourself and to share some of your time with others who need your understanding and compassion. It is important that you are willing to accept patients as equals as well as training and supervision from staff. Partnership with staff is an important part of being a... -
Other Service Providers in Ontario
Quick Jump Menu: Mental Health Programs Community Programs Counselling Services Adolescents/Youth Seniors Women Family First Nations Vocational Skills and Training Addictions Support Groups and Programs Addictions Treatment and Recovery In-Hospital Mental Health Programs and Services Hospitals... -
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in being a part of this incredible team of enthusiastic individuals? Follow this link to learn more about the application process. Please note that all of our volunteer opportunities require that individuals feel confident to participate without direct supervision or support. We... -
Benefits of Volunteering
Are you interested in being a part of this incredible team of enthusiastic individuals? Volunteering at Ontario Shores provides opportunities to gain awareness and experience in a specialized mental health facility that focuses on recovery through specialized treatment, education, advocacy and... -
How do I become a volunteer?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores). Please note there is currently a wait list for volunteers. While we encourage everyone to apply, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Step One: Submit Application and... -
Navigating the Mental Health Care System in Ontario
Navigating the mental health care system in Ontario can sometimes be challenging, particularly in areas with limited services. Ontario Shores has support systems in place to help individuals, families, physicians and hospitals access suitable and timely mental health care for people touched by... -
Accessibility
Ontario Shores has a tradition of providing mental health care that is based on the principles of acceptance and inclusion. We apply those same principles towards accessibility to ensure patients, staff, families and guests with disabilities feel accepted and included. We are committed to improving... -
Mustangs for Youth Mental Health
Our youth's mental health not only impacts the individual but their family and friends. The Whiteman family know first-hand with the loss of Jackson, who was a beloved brother, son, and friend. Please help the Western University Mustangs Women's Lacrosse team in their efforts to raise funds in... -
Volunteer
Volunteers at Ontario Shores provide a vital community link for patients. They inspire hope, enhance patient self-esteem, help eliminate stigma, and improve the quality of life for patients by sharing their time, knowledge, and generous hearts. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and... -
Katelyn - Volunteer
Katelyn was on a journey of discovery and seeking meaningful ways to give back and share hope with others. Katelyn has been an active part of the volunteer community here at Ontario Shores and sharing her gift of time, positive energy and uplifting words of encouragement in our gift shop, library... -
Allan Smith
Volunteering has always been something I have wanted to get involved with. Both of my parents volunteered in the community when I was growing up. My brother, sister and wife have also found time to help pay back to the community with volunteer work. Now that I am retired, and have lots of free time... -
Willow and Aspen
Meet the dynamic duo of Willow and her beloved golden retriever Aspyn. The two have been volunteering at Ontario Shores since 2017 and have contributed hundreds of hours. Volunteering originally started as a way for Willow and Aspyn to spend time together and give back but it soon become something... -
#NVW2021 - 'I lost someone so important to me to mental illness'
I began volunteering at Ontario Shores nine years after overcoming a very difficult period in my life: my father’s suicide. I decided that following his tragedy, this would be a great way to give back to others struggling with mental illness. My father was the type of man who would never ask for... -
#NVW2021 - 'I am making a difference in the lives of people who struggle with mental illness'
I joined the volunteer team at Ontario Shores without realizing how impactful the experience would be on my personal life. I began volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Gift Shop, Drop-in Centre and at Coffee Hour. The pandemic has had an impact on my own mental health due to the social... -
#NVW2021 - 'I can continue to encourage others to share their story'
I began volunteering at Ontario Shores three years ago without any clear goals of where I wanted to end up or what area I would fit best in. Eventually, I began volunteering in Recovery College which focuses on providing education about mental illness, treatment, passion, hope and meaning. This is... -
#NVW2021 - Volunteering Has Helped with Grief Over Lost Son
My journey with Ontario Shores began eight years ago when my son was admitted after struggling with mental health problems. Shane took his own life just one year later. I was searching for ways to show my compassion for others dealing with mental illness. I decided that the only way to move forward... -
#NVW2021 - 'The Experience Meant the World to Me'
Many people choose to volunteer to give back to a cause or organization that has a personal meaning for them and this is especially true for me. In 2014 I realized that I was not dealing well with my mental health and decided to get help for the depression and social anxiety I was dealing with... -
Protecting Minds - 'Working the front lines during a pandemic creates a roller coaster of emotions'
I’ve felt firsthand the negative effects of the pandemic. I am 49, from Oshawa, Ontario and work as a sales representative at PepsiCo Foods Canada. Although much of my role focuses on managing the business, I spend a lot of my time in stores working with the public. Working the front lines during a... -
Hockey's Brian Burke will be 'Celebrating a Century of Care' at Ontario Shores
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) will turn 100 years old on Wednesday, October 23 and we are celebrating with a host of planned activities. Over the last 12 months Ontario Shores has been in celebration mode thanks to the efforts of our Ambassadors of Hope, six... -
Right Care, Right Time, Right Place for People Diagnosed with Schizophrenia
In a fragmented health care system, four groups have come together to reduce inefficiencies, prevent people from falling through the gaps, and align practitioners around a best-practice approach to care for people diagnosed with schizophrenia, their families, and their care teams. Launched in fall...